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Captain G · 07-07-2012, 12:25

I have a Dehler 41 Cr that is showing water in the bilge. Until most recently this boat has been bone dry everywhere. Bilge pumps never go on. My main water tank (center of the boat) seems to be draining down without use but no sign of water leaks etc. Is it possible to be siphoning out of the tank and some how draining to the bilge.
Also I have an Espar furnace aprox 5 years old that seems to work only when it wants. Sometimes 2 or 3 days and then will not fire. Fan comes on, pump works but won't fire. With an Espar furnace after 5 failed attempts to start you need to have a tech re-program the controller to start all over again. The nozzles have been serviced etc.

Any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks,

Captain G.

**Cheechako** · 07-07-2012, 13:04

if the water tank had a slow drip on the bottom, would there be any sign of leak that you can see? Pretty common for the bottom to get pin holes where they sit on supports....

bobconnie · 07-07-2012, 13:11

Try putting food coloring in the tank and then ya can tell if it's leaking!Ya can always drain it if it's not ! won't harm anything and it's cheap ! just a thought

**GordMay** · 07-07-2012, 13:13

A thin film of talcum powder, or likewise, will reaveal drips and drainage tracks.

Espar Tech’ Downloads ➥ http://www.espar.com/html/service/do...technical.html

See also ➥ Resetting a Locked Espar Heater

And ➥ Espar Heater

Lagoon4us · 07-07-2012, 13:36

Depending on the situation/installation sometimes you can take a hose off and pressurise the tank by blowing into it with your mouth, just sometimes you may spot a chafe, gasket, hose or screw that bleeds some moisture.

The food dye and the talc are good indicators as well.

It will only leak to the level of the offending hole, has the leak therefore stopped at a designated height.?

Also most things go wrong after the most recent tampering. Have you recently done any work on the water supply? ie Filter change, hose clamp tightening?

Taste the water is it definately fresh?

Cheers

Captain G · 07-07-2012, 14:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobconnie

Try putting food coloring in the tank and then ya can tell if it's leaking!Ya can always drain it if it's not ! won't harm anything and it's cheap ! just a thought

Thanks, definitely a good idea. I will give it a try.

**Therapy** · 07-07-2012, 15:16

First thing you have to know is if it is fresh or salt.

Lagoon4us · 07-07-2012, 15:30

Agree as in TASTE it .... lol

Captain G · 07-07-2012, 15:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Therapy

First thing you have to know is if it is fresh or salt.

Yup, tasted it, definitely fresh water.

Lagoon4us · 07-07-2012, 15:41

Try to pop a hose off and blow some pressure into it ie use the breather hose if possible, it will speed up a leak, you may hear a sizzle noise as the water leaks, tanks can handle 2 to 3psi normally so blowing with your mouth is safe, i've found annoying leaks doing this. IF its possible in your case...

Captain G · 07-07-2012, 15:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lagoon4us

Try to pop a hose off and blow some pressure into it ie use the breather hose if possible, it will speed up a leak, you may hear a sizzle noise as the water leaks, tanks can handle 2 to 3psi normally so blowing with your mouth is safe, i've found annoying leaks doing this. IF its possible in your case...

Thanks. Yes very annoying, I will be on my boat next week and give it a try for sure.

Captain G · 07-07-2012, 15:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by GordMay

A thin film of talcum powder, or likewise, will reaveal drips and drainage tracks.

Espar Tech’ Downloads ➥ Espar Heater Systems | Technical Downloads

See also ➥ Resetting a Locked Espar Heater

And ➥ Espar Heater

Thanks, checked out the Espar link and it may be that I have had to much draw on my batteries from other devices not allowing enough power to start the furnace. For sure will order the programmer. A must have when sailing in the North. Thanks again.